If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that’s both delicious and easy to whip up, this Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is an absolute gem. It combines tender shredded chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust that brings the perfect crunch. It’s the kind of casserole that feels like a warm hug from the inside and is sure to become a fast favorite for weeknight dinners or potlucks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this casserole is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating those layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. From creamy and savory components to the golden, crunchy topping, everything blends perfectly.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds tender, flavorful meat without the fuss.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This creamy base infuses the casserole with savory richness and keeps it perfectly moist.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture, balancing the savory flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle aromatic kick that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the creamy mixture.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing the ingredients to life.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed: Creates that buttery, crunchy topping that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Coats the crackers, ensuring a golden, crispy finish as it bakes.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.
How to Make Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly will make sure the casserole doesn’t stick and makes clean-up easier after enjoying this delicious meal.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until you have a smooth, well-combined filling that’s bursting with comforting flavors.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Spread this creamy chicken mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Making sure it’s level helps the casserole cook uniformly and sets the stage for that perfect cracker topping later.
Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is coated. This step is key to achieving that incredible golden crunch that makes this casserole stand out.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle your buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken. Don’t be shy here — the topping is what adds that delightful texture contrast and irresistible flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a beautiful golden brown and you can see the creamy filling bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy or want a fresh pop of color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top right after taking it out of the oven. Then, dive in and enjoy the comforting goodness you’ve created.
How to Serve Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten up the casserole visually and add a subtle herbal note, feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of chives or shredded cheddar if you want a touch of extra flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
This creamy casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus. These lighter sides help balance the richness and add a refreshing component to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini casseroles. This makes it feel extra special and portion-controlled, plus it’s super cute and perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The casserole will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it great for easy lunches or quick dinners the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prep this comforting dish ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding some extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed and crispy on top, or microwave individual servings for convenience. If microwaving, adding a few extra Ritz cracker crumbs on top before reheating can help revive that fabulous crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed and shredded before mixing it into the casserole. Using rotisserie chicken saves time, but cooked frozen chicken works perfectly too.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
You can swap sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream, and choose a dairy-free cream of chicken soup. Just keep an eye on the crackertopping butter and opt for a vegan butter substitute to keep it friendly for dairy-free diets.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Fresh or frozen vegetables like peas, broccoli florets, or chopped bell peppers add extra nutrition and color. Just mix them in with the chicken mixture before baking.
How crispy will the Ritz cracker topping be?
Thanks to the melted butter coating the crackers, the topping bakes into a beautifully crisp, golden crust that offers the perfect texture contrast to the creamy chicken underneath.
What can I serve with this casserole for a full meal?
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed greens, or even garlic bread to round out the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like an instant classic once you try it. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and loved by everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, I can’t recommend this casserole enough — it’s warm, cozy, and downright delicious. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender shredded chicken baked in a rich and creamy sauce, topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers for a perfectly golden and crunchy crust. Ideal for a family dinner or potluck, this casserole combines simple pantry ingredients for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish to create a uniform base layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crackers are fully coated with butter for a golden crust.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling, ensuring full coverage for a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges, indicating it’s heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- For a lower sodium option, use reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup and adjust salt accordingly.
- Crush the Ritz crackers finely but keep some texture for a better crunchy topping.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
